United States: At least three members of the National Security Council (NSC) have been dismissed from their roles, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The decision came after far-right activist Laura Loomer urged President Donald Trump to remove several NSC staffers, claiming they were not loyal to him. During a meeting with Trump on Wednesday, Loomer specifically targeted certain officials, and one source stated that the firings were a direct result of this conversation.
Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong, one of the individuals Loomer criticized, was not among those dismissed that day. However, a White House official speculated that Wong could be removed soon, though no final decision had been made at the time, according to CNN.
Loomer reportedly questioned Wong’s loyalty, referring to him as a “Never Trumper” both publicly and in private discussions. Some sources believe National Security Adviser Michael Waltz was hesitant to fire Wong, given his involvement in a controversy over leaked Signal messages related to military operations in Yemen. Waltz and his team have faced backlash over these communications.
The three dismissed officials include:
– Brian Walsj – Director for Intelligence, previously a senior staffer for Marco Rubio on the Senate Intelligence Committee.
– Thomas Boodry – Senior Director for Legislative Affairs, formerly Waltz’s legislative director in Congress.
– David Feith – Senior Director overseeing technology and national security, who also served in the State Department during Trump’s first administration.
In response to the firings, NSC spokesperson Brian Hughes stated, “The NSC does not comment on personnel matters,” as per CNN.
On the day of the meeting, Waltz was in the Oval Office for other discussions when Loomer arrived. Following her meeting with Trump, Loomer declined to share details but emphasized her commitment to supporting the president’s agenda.
“It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present my findings,” Loomer told CNN. “I will continue working hard to support his vision and advocate for stronger vetting to protect the president and our national security.”
The New York Times first reported the meeting, which took place as Trump and his economic team prepared to announce new trade tariffs.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who had previously worked to limit Loomer’s access to Trump during his campaign, was present at the meeting. An aide noted that Sergio Gor, the head of presidential personnel, also attended, signaling that the meeting was officially approved, according to CNN.
Gor, a trusted Trump adviser, has reportedly been handling complaints from Trump’s allies regarding Waltz’s role in the administration.
